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William J. ‘Bill’ Porath

ESCANABA — William J. “Bill” Porath, 70, of Escanaba, passed away early Monday morning October 5, 2020 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center East in Peshtigo.

He was born on December 23, 1949 in Escanaba, son of William C. and Lorraine E. (Nicholson) Porath. William was a lifelong resident of this area and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1968. He went on to attend Lake Superior State University.

Bill served during Vietnam in the United States Army from 1969-1971. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars Combat Infantryman Badge; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Purple Heart Expert (Rifle M-14); Marksman (Rifle M-16); and Expert (M-60 MG).

On December 4, 1971 William married the former Mary E. Everson at St. Thomas Church in Escanaba.

He was employed with Harnischfeger as their production control analyst from 1972 until the closure in 1980. Bill then began his career with Giguere Logging from 1980 until 1987 when he started Porath Logging. In 2001, Bill returned to Giguere Logging as timber manager until his retirement in 2018.

William enjoyed fishing and hunting, attending his children and grandchildren’s activities and loved going to church. He was very involved with his kids when they were younger, coaching his daughter’s softball team and was a troop leader for his son’s Boy Scouts troop. Bill was very involved with many veteran organizations over the years including commander of the DAV, secretary and treasurer of the Military Order of the Purple Heart in addition to being a member of the Delta County Veterans Council.

He was a member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; daughter, Amanda “Amy” Porath of Escanaba; son, Andrew “Andy” (Jackie) Porath of Gladstone; grandchildren, Cody (Cassie) Porath, Lucas Luedtke, Kyle Porath, and Hailey Luedtke; great grandchildren, Ezmae Luedtke-McCleese, and Avery Porath; siblings, Judy Chylek, Mike Porath, and Janie Robinette; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will take place on Friday, October 9th from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 S. 30th St., Escanaba. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Paul Doletzky officiating. Military rites and the committal service will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Schaffer.

Memorials may be directed to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 S. 30th St., Escanaba or the DAV Chapter 24, 1202 Sheridan Rd, Escanaba. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family, Mary Porath, 155 S. 29th St., Lot 96, Gladstone, MI 49837 or by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.